HOUSTON — Mike Fallon said the last time he visited Texas was 30 years ago to Dallas, but this week’s Offshore Technology Conference brought the UK Energy Minister to Houston for the first time.

“Houston is one of the most exciting cities in the world,” he said at the UK Energy Excellence Reception at the Hilton Post Oak Hotel on Monday night. “It has such growth, and a wonderful mix of cuisine.”

Fallon spoke to a ballroom packed with some 800 energy professionals from the United States and the United Kingdom. He said the annual event is part of the OTC tradition and brings people together people to network and do business. It is also the first major social events of the week.